The Iowa City police and Johnson County Sheriff’s Office will receive a combined $375,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services Hiring Program.

Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, announced the grant Monday; the money will go toward sustaining officers or pay the salary and benefits of three additional officers.

The city police will receive $250,000 and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office $125,000. According to the release, two officers could be funded in Iowa City and one in Johnson County with the grant money.

"Our local law-enforcement officers play a vital role in keeping our communities safe," Loebsack said. "The men and women on these police forces are hard-working, dedicated professionals who serve to improve our communities and help make Johnson County a great place to live and raise a family …"

This year, the Community Oriented Policing Service will create or preserve 1,021 law enforcement position for three years nationwide.

— by Jordyn Reiland